Hellobee Boards

I would just talk to them in a very calm manner and say "hey my LO is really interested in your dog since he's outside so much, but he seems to have a little bit of energy, is there any way to move him to the back so she's not tempted to try and bug him?"

Yikes. I'd be incredibly nervous about that fence - you'd be surprised what a strong dog can get over if it wants to. I'm going to say that if they know their dog is snarling at small kids and not taking any action already, it's probably not going to matter what you say. Can you put a high privacy fence around your property? That should alleviate the safety issue and hopefully, if the dog can't see you, they'll be less barking.

I would definitely talk to the neighbors and let them know that their dog barks and is very aggressive toward you and your LO. I would ask if he has ever in the past gotten out and if it's at all possible to restrain him on leash in addition to the fence. If he's people aggressive, there's just no knowing what could happen. My dog was attacked and bit by a dog (happen to a pit mix also). He went straight for the jugular and 3 guys, including the pits owner couldn't get him off for a whilie. They are just not to be messed with, that jaw is meant to lock and stay that way. After what happen with our dog (he is ok, but had a big hole in his neck), I honestly don't even think I would let my LO out there if the dog was there. Or at least get a can of pepper spray or something to keep the dog away if it made it over. It was so traumatic with my dog, I don't even want to imagine the damage the dog could easily have done to a human, especially a baby.

@Mrs. Lion: what about asking if you could toss the dog some dog biscuits while your outside? Just thinking if he learns that you toss him a biscuit when he's quiet he will associate you with something good?

I would maybe contact the homeowner if you know them. The dog barking is a noise nuisance even if it's fenced and not aggressive.

If the dog isn't outside constantly, not jumping over the fence, and there is a gap between the two fences, I don't think you have any real reason to contact the homeowner. It sounds unpleasant, but some dogs just see people near their property as intruders and act that way. My dog growing up was the sweetest thing with visitors in our house or yard, but if someone walked by the house or fence she lost her mind. Granted, we didn't have her outside alone very often, just when she needed to go to the bathroom and she'd be back inside within 5-10 minutes, and certainly not when we weren't home...how often/long is the dog out there alone?

Yeah, I would approach it in a manner that shows concern for their dog so it doesn't seem like you're attacking their dog's behavior. Ugh, such a tough situation you have there. I hope the dog gets used to seeing kids and just chill out after a while. At least they are renters and will move at some point, hopefully? I have a small dog so my kids are generally okay with other dogs; but I am not comfortable with my kids playing with big dogs for now, especially if I don't know who they are or if they are clearly aggressive. Too bad you can't suggest a wireless fence so he doesn't even get near his fence; but I guess that doesn't solve the nuisance of the barking. :\

@Mrs. Lion: yeah I don't want to be an alarmist but like @kiddosc: when I was in high school, I watched a pit bull leap from a moving car (open window), run across our schools parking lot, and jump onto a parked pickup truck to attack the terrified students who were trying to get away from it by standing on top of the pick up truck's cab. They are just crazy crazy strong dogs. I have nothing against the breed and think they can be very sweet, BUT owners need to recognize their power and act appropriately. If they are not going to be responsible pet owners, I'd put a solid, much higher fence on my property and call the homeowner.

I wouldn't make any passive aggressive comments about being "concerned for the dog". I would be straight forward with your needs, but in a kind way. Don't make any statements about what he is "doing wrong", focus more on what you think will make things better. I would start out by telling him that the barking and aggressiveness is still a very big problem and you want him to keep the dog inside when he isn't home. If he refuses, I would start calling animal control and calling in complaints. Depending on how proactive they are, it might entice him to finally listen. But I find most people like that get super defensive and intentionally try to make things worse, especially owners of large dogs for some reason - so I would use that as a last resort.